Jamie Carragher was found under the fire after his recent comments on the Nations Cup of Africa, which many perceive as discouraged and disrespectful.
Liverpool’s former defender suggested that AFCON does not carry the same weight as other important international tournaments, which means that Mohamed Salah’s participation with Egypt in the competition decreases his chances of winning the Golden Ballon compared to players who have the European Championship or the World Cup.
Both Micah Richards and Daniel Sturridge favored Carragher’s claim, insisting that Afcon is of the same importance as euros and the World Cup. However, his statements have caused widespread criticism from football figures and fans.
Among the last to Slam Carragher, is the former Nigerian international Mikel John Obi, who strongly criticized the position of the Pundit.
Mikel John Obi brutally does Jamie Carragher for his comments about Afcon
Speaker The Obi One podcastThe ex-chelsea midfielder did not retain, calling Carragher for a tournament that is of great importance in African football.
Mikel pointed that Carragher He has never won a Premier League title or an important international competition with England, making his farewell AFCON especially unfounded.
He emphasized the challenges of winning an international tournament, emphasizing that Carragher’s comments reflected a lack of estimate for the effort needed to achieve this success.
In a brutal decrease in the X, he said:
“The African Cup of Nations is as great (as the euros), I have played in it and I won it. It is not in its place to discredit the AFCON. Sitting there week a week, teaching and training people about how to win the Premier League and never won it!”
“He can do it! He has never won the league. He analyzes teams and tells them how to win it, but you have never won it. You do not know what is needed to win the F … g Premier League”
The reaction spread beyond Mikel, with Rio Ferdinand also criticized Carragher’s observationsTagging -“ignorant” and reaffirming the state of AFCON as a prestigious tournament.
After the increase, Carragher clarified his comments, saying that he had no intention of mining Afcon, but only pointed out the Bias de Ballon d’Or Vot, which he believes that players compete in European tournaments.
John Obi Mikel Speaking of Carragher:
? “He can do*ck, has never won anything”?
– Purely of Football? (@Purelyfootball) February 27, 2025
AFCON’s underestimated importance
Despite being one of the most disputed international tournaments, AFCON often receives less media coverage compared to other international tournaments. However, the level of competition is intense, with nations such as Algeria, Senegal, Egypt and Ivory Coast with first class teams.
The tournament also serves as a launch for African stars to show their talent in a global scenario, achieving transfers to the best European clubs.
Carragher’s comments could have been bad sentences instead of intentionally dismissing, but they have caused an important conversation about the way African football is perceived on the global stage. Afcon is more than a tournament; It is a celebration of African football excellence, rich in history and importance.
As football becomes more and more global, it is crucial to give Afcon the respect it deserves. Just as euros, the America Cup and the World Cup shape football legacies, so does AFCON.
